Are you Ready for Fit 4 Two Bootcamp?

What is a Bootcamp?

Bootcamps vary in their formats but generally speaking you can expect high intensity drills that challenge your cardio, strength, endurance, agility, balance and more. They usually expect you to commit to 2-3 days a week for 4 weeks or more and encourage fellow bootcampers to cheer each other on.  At Fit 4 Two we offer two types of bootcamps: Mom & Baby Bootcamp (Indoors) and Stroller Bootcamp (outdoors).

Are you ready for a Fit 4 Two Bootcamp?

If you have already eased back into exercise and have been exercising (cardio and strength) regularly for 6 weeks, you should be ready to give it a go.  Just be sure to listen to your body and consider the following….

Get the gear

A well-fitting sports bra or very supportive nursing bra is a must!  Bootcamps are impact in nature and you need support.  Footwear is also important.  If you haven’t bought new cross trainers since giving birth, we recommend you do.  The athletic shoes you wore during your pregnancy likely have a lot of miles on them.  We recommend cross-trainers vs running shoes because lateral drills make your ankles more susceptible to injury.  On that note….

Loosey Goosey

Don’t forget that most postpartum women still have the pregnancy hormone relaxin flowing through their bodies softening ligaments and making joint injuries more common.  Breastfeeding women may continue to experience the effects of relaxin even longer.  Take care during quick stop and start activities.

Hydration

Remember that by the time you feel thirsty – you are already dehydrated.  Drink ½ a water bottle before, a full one during and another ½ after exercise.  This is even more important if you are breastfeeding.

Hot & Cold

Warming up and cooling down is VERY IMPORTANT at bootcamps.  These classes are more intense and usually include a lot of agility drills.  You do NOT want a pulled hamstring or a rolled ankle.

Listen to your Body

Even if you have been exercising postpartum for a while, you need to listen to your body.  Life is different now.  You may still be breastfeeding, sleep is unpredictable, caring for your baby puts strain on your body etc.  If something does not feel right, tell your instructor.

Have fun

Some women love bootcamp style classes.  Others prefer a typical fitness class.  If you try a bootcamp and don’t like it, talk to your instructor about switching back into Fit 4 Two Mom and Baby Fitness or Stroller Fitness.